I'm trying GTD again...

04-03-2011, 06:23 PM

...and I need help on choosing a good GTD app for my iPod touch.

I fell off the wagon a few weeks ago, choosing to ignore my lists and go with the "flow" simply because I wasn't too busy, which was very surprising. I had time to read more than five thousand words worth of books this past weeks, and so far I've spent all my time in the library (like the avid bookworm I am).

But in those weeks, I didn't know what to do. Sure, I kept track of my due assignments at school, but those were the only things I tracked. I didn't bother logging down when I had to return my library books because I could finish a one-inch book in three hours. I absorb information a whole lot more easily in words and visual diagrams and photos.

So, in summary, I lost track of my tasks, my projects and my life. I've been drifting between "I got to get back on track!" and "Eh, I'll do it tomorrow. It isn't due for two days anyway."

And before I try to get back on the wagon, I need your help to learn. I currently have OmniFocus on my iPod touch, but that was one factor why I easily got overwhelmed by how much I needed to type down and everything. Not a problem for my small fingers, but definitely something my mind needed some time to comprehend.

I need advice on other task managers. I'm eying Action Lists as it follows GTD the closest with minimal fuss after OmniFocus, but I really do need the advice.

(I'm not affiliated with any of the apps/task managers I've mentioned above in my post. They're just products that I'm going to definitely keep an eye on.)

If you're going to make GTD stick you need tools without bottlenecks. Right now you don't have that with your electronic system. I strongly suggest you start with a paper system and put your focus first on forming the habits of GTD. You can always migrate your system later.

Comment

I've had a good experience using Toodledo. There's a web interface and apps for both the iPhone/touch and the iPad. Synching between the different devices is automatic which I really like. I've used a number of other apps (Inc. Ominifocus) and Toodledo is the winner for me.

Comment

I currently have OmniFocus on my iPod touch, but that was one factor why I easily got overwhelmed by how much I needed to type down and everything.

I use OF on my iPod Touch but I don't try to review or enter much data there. I use it mostly when doing ot keep me on track and as a reminder system that is portable. I do nearly all my data entry at my Mac. Review is always at my mac due to the great tools there for it.

I can't help with other task managers, I tried LifeBalance but it didn't work for me. Any cloud system is also not going to work for me for lots of reasons. OF has a long learning curve but is the most flexible system I've found.

Comment

Since when do you use an iPod touch? I always think about maybe adding an iPod to my range of systems, because right now I am using a BlackBerry and I am really, really happy with it but still I wonder is there a perfect GTD application for that?

Since when do you use an iPod touch? I always think about maybe adding an iPod to my range of systems, because right now I am using a BlackBerry and I am really, really happy with it but still I wonder is there a perfect GTD application for that?

Neither of these lists are exhaustive but it's a starting place. The important point is that your capture method does not have to be your review app. Several input sources, one master list (to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them...). (What? We're not all nerds here?)